Immigration officers have targeted suspected illegal workers in a major operation throughout Kent.

Staff from the UK Border Agency swooped on seven Hands-On Car Wash franchises in Swanley, Gillingham and Sittingbourne.

Fifteen men were arrested and detained while officers seek to deport them. A further five were released on bail.

Hands-On Car Wash was issued with a notice of potential liability at each location in respect of the illegal workers and may now face a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker employed at the addresses.

To avoid a heavy fine, the employers must convince the UK Border Agency that they carried out the correct right-to-work checks for employing a worker from outside the EU.

Kent Local Immigration Team leader, Carla Johnson said, “These arrests show our commitment to targeting those who work illegally. It is a crime that not only undercuts local business but also has a serious impact on local communities; taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work.

"We will act on any information received and if appropriate visit the place concerned and make arrests. No matter what line of business you are in, you are not safe. We will not tolerate illegal working in the Kent area.”

A spokesman for Hands on Car Wash said: "We’re delighted with the arrests. This investigation was instigated by us to help our franchisees ensure the legality of their workers.

"Our cooperation with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has always been one hundred percent. We have worked jointly and proactively with them to target illegal working within the car cleaning industry.

"We know that our franchisees take every precaution when checking workers’ papers and we’re confident there will be no fines. Forgeries have become so sophisticated that we and our franchisees need the assistance of the UKBA to help us - that’s why we called them in and will keep doing so."